As anticipation mounts for Stranger Things 5, Netflix has ensured that Hawkins is never far from fans’ screens—or their controllers. When Season 3 arrived, Netflix partnered with Epic Games to introduce elements from the series into Fortnite Battle Royale, giving players the chance to inhabit the world of the Upside Down while facing off in the battle royale universe. Players could dress up as Eleven, Mike, or other fan favourites, complete with themed emotes and cosmetics. It was a clever way to merge nostalgia, horror, and gaming thrills, and fans ate it up like Eleven eats Eggos.
Another standout collaboration came with the asymmetric multiplayer horror game Dead by Daylight. On September 17, 2019, the Demogorgon stalked the virtual realm as a playable killer, while Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington joined as survivors. The chapter was briefly retired in 2021 but made a return on November 6, 2023, reigniting excitement and proving that Stranger Things retains a strong presence in gaming long after episodes air. The tension of evading a Demogorgon in a digital landscape mirrors the suspense that made the series so addictive, allowing players to feel the dread of Hawkins firsthand.
Stranger Things in Fortnite and Dead by Daylight
Stranger Things’ reach extends far beyond battle royales and survival horror. During Rocket League’s 2019 Halloween event, themed vehicles and in-game cosmetics captured the series’ retro aesthetic and eerie vibes. Players could zip around arenas in star-spangled cars, wielding Stranger Things-inspired flair, offering a playful yet immersive nod to the series’ tone.
The MOBA SMITE also embraced the Upside Down. Skins inspired by the show allowed players to become Starcourt Eleven as Scylla, Hopper as Apollo, the Demogorgon as Bakasura, or The Mind Flayer as Sylvanus. Each skin brought iconic elements of the show into combat-heavy gameplay, reinforcing the idea that Stranger Things characters can thrive in any universe—whether supernatural small-town America or Greek pantheon battles.
Meanwhile, mobile gaming audiences got their turn with The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, which transported Hawkins characters into an anime-styled universe. For a limited time, players unlocked Eleven, Mike, and friends, allowing a fresh narrative twist that blended familiar personalities with unexpected settings. These events show the franchise’s creativity in ensuring that fans can engage with the Upside Down even when the Netflix player isn’t running.
As Season 5 draws near, Stranger Things’ integration with gaming shows no signs of slowing down. Upcoming collaborations, including a figure of Autobot Code Red in partnership with Transformers, hint at even broader crossovers that will challenge fan expectations and expand the franchise into new realms.
These partnerships underscore how Stranger Things has leveraged transmedia storytelling. By bringing the Upside Down to gaming platforms, the franchise ensures that fans remain connected to the story world beyond the screen. As viewers gear up for the series’ climactic conclusion in November 2025, the gaming tie-ins offer a tantalising reminder that Hawkins’ adventures extend beyond Netflix.
